‘He will flourish in Panthers colours’: Bulldogs junior joins the premiers in shock move

The hits keep coming for Canterbury with a talented local junior jumping ship to join a key rival next year.

Paul Alamoti has left the Bulldogs to join Penrith next year. Picture; NRL Photos

The Bulldogs have lost another local junior with talented youngster Paul Alamoti signing a one-year deal with the Panthers who have also picked up Brad Schneider for the next two seasons.

Alamoti burst onto the scene this year after he made his debut in the opening round but fell out of favour as the club fell apart, with the 19-year-old earning a recall for the final two games.

Paul Alamoti will join the Panthers next season. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty Images

He’s the second local junior to leave Belmore after fan favourite Jake Averillo signed a deal to work under Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins.

Alamoti will struggle to crack Penrith’s starting side next year with Taylan May set to return from injury to replace Stephen Crichton who is off to Canterbury to try to spark their woeful attack.

Schneider is an astute get for the Panthers who will lose Jack Cogger to the Knights at the end of the season.

The crafty playmaker made his debut with the Raiders but has spent 2023 with Hull KR and will likely get his opportunities next season when Nathan Cleary and possibly Jarome Luai are on State of Origin duty.

Brad Schneider is returning from a stint in England to link up with Penrith. Picture; Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“On behalf of all at Panthers, we look forward to welcoming Paul and Brad to the club,” Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron said.

“Paul is a talented young player with ample potential. His experience and capabilities make him a great addition to our squad and we look forward to him joining the club.

“Brad joins the Panthers with NRL and Super League experience and will add depth to the club’s top 30 squad. Brad is a talented playmaker and we believe he will flourish in Panthers colours.”

Originally published as ‘He will flourish in Panthers colours’: Bulldogs junior joins the premiers in shock move